Chapter 37: Learn to Find Business Yourself (1/1)
"What did you say?"
Jing Hongchen was clearly somewhat surprised. As someone at the top of the Sun and Moon Empire, he naturally knew about the internal struggle of the imperial family back then.
Logically speaking, the remnants of the previous dynasty should have been completely purged. Yet Jiang Li now claimed he had seen the former crown prince.
If the Sun and Moon royal family learned of this, they would surely try every means to eliminate him.
Especially the current crown prince Xu Tianran—he would never tolerate any existence that could threaten his throne.
But after thinking for a moment, Jing Hongchen suddenly realized something.
He looked at Jiang Li and said: "Young friend Jiang Li, you should know my identity as the Hall Master of Mingde Hall. I am separate from the Sun and Moon royal system.
Information about the former crown prince should not be told to me, but to members of the imperial family instead."
Jiang Li merely glanced at him and replied calmly: "What Hall Master Hongchen said is not wrong. However, compared to me, your credibility in the eyes of the Sun and Moon royal family is higher."
Hearing this, Jing Hongchen immediately understood his intent.
Though he had already guessed Jiang Li's purpose, he still asked: "So, Young Friend Jiang Li wants me to inform the Sun and Moon royal family about the former crown prince, and then let them commission you to deal with it?"
"Correct," Jiang Li nodded slightly, a faint smile on his lips. "I think this will make me a fortune. The royal family will definitely pay a high price."
Jing Hongchen nodded as well. He understood the financial strength of the Sun and Moon Empire.
While their martial soul foundation might not be particularly strong, their economic power was among the best.
Still, Jing Hongchen couldn't help asking: "But how can you be sure the Sun and Moon royal family will come to you for this commission?"
"Simple, because the former crown prince is currently in Shrek Academy," Jiang Li replied immediately.
At the mention of "Shrek Academy," Jing Hongchen's pupils shrank sharply.
At first, he thought Jiang Li had only encountered the former crown prince in another empire. In that case, the Sun and Moon Empire might simply send assassins.
But if the former crown prince was truly inside Shrek Academy, the situation would be entirely different.
Even if the Sun and Moon Empire was hostile toward Shrek Academy, its foundation was still overwhelming.
Not to mention assassination—even if a strong expert from the Sun and Moon Empire appeared near Shrek City, they would likely be discovered instantly and killed on the spot.
Thinking of this, Jing Hongchen picked up his porcelain teacup, fingers lightly tracing the cold surface, his eyes flickering with uncertainty.
He remained silent for a full half a cup of tea's time. The rising steam blurred his face, yet could not soften the heaviness between his brows.
"Shrek Academy…"
He repeated those five words in a low voice, carrying a faint trace of caution. "That is an iron plate. Even I would not dare to act recklessly in Shrek City.
Moreover, if that former crown prince is truly hiding there, he is likely already using an alias, and may even have caught the attention of Shrek's higher-ups."
Jiang Li looked at him with a faint smile, lightly tapping the table with his fingers, producing a clear sound.
He said calmly: "Since I am certain he is the former crown prince of the Sun and Moon Empire, I naturally understand his current situation."
Jing Hongchen thought briefly and asked again: "Are you really confident you can kill someone under Shrek Academy's watch?"
"Whether I am confident or not is not something Hall Master Hongchen needs to worry about," Jiang Li replied, taking a sip of tea.
Then he added indifferently: "I never do things without certainty."
Seeing his confidence, Jing Hongchen finally set down his teacup. The hesitation in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by decisiveness.
He looked directly at Jiang Li: "I can help you with this matter. Let it be a gesture of goodwill between us."
"Then I appreciate it," Jiang Li replied with a smile.
Jing Hongchen stood up, straightening his robes, his usual authority returning: "In that case, come to Mingde Hall in three days. I will arrange for you to secretly meet Xu Tianran."
"No problem," Jiang Li nodded, his smile deepening.
Jing Hongchen turned and walked toward the door. His steps were steady, but unease lingered in his heart.
At the doorway, he suddenly stopped and looked back.
"Last question, Young Friend Jiang Li."
"Please speak," Jiang Li replied calmly.
Jing Hongchen asked directly: "I am curious—what exactly are you?"
Jiang Li met his gaze calmly.
Sunlight streamed through the window, outlining a lean but upright silhouette.
After a moment, he smiled lightly: "Just a bounty hunter looking for profit."
Jing Hongchen stared at him for a long time, but found nothing unusual in that calm expression.
He shook his head and left without asking further.
Inside the room, only Jiang Li remained.
He lifted his teacup, watching the leaves rise and fall. The smile on his face slowly faded, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.
—
Time passed, unknown how long.
Jiang Li pushed open the door, preparing to leave the Sun and Moon Royal Soul Engineer Academy.
As he walked casually through the corridor alone, a proud voice suddenly sounded from behind him:
"Stop! You are Jiang Li?"
He turned around. A young man in academy uniform stood not far away—Xiao Hongchen, with Meng Hongchen beside him, her eyes filled with curiosity.
Xiao Hongchen's expression was arrogant, a small soul tool spinning in his hand, clearly waiting for this moment.
"Something?"
Jiang Li raised an eyebrow, still lazy and indifferent.
Xiao Hongchen stepped forward, eyes eager: "I challenge you!"
Meng Hongchen quickly whispered: "Brother, don't you remember what grandpa said? You can't beat Jiang Li now."
Despite her warning, Xiao Hongchen did not listen.
Jiang Li sighed slightly, too lazy to engage, and turned to leave.
But Xiao Hongchen refused to let it go, finally activating his soul power.
In the next instant, Jiang Li moved like lightning and struck him lightly.
It was a controlled hit—no real force used.
After all, he still had cooperation with Jing Hongchen and needed to show some restraint.
Even so, Xiao Hongchen was instantly knocked unconscious.
Jiang Li glanced at him briefly, brushed off his sleeve, and said calmly: "Kids shouldn't try to act tough."
With that, he turned and left, leaving only a stunned Meng Hongchen behind.